ECM Emphasises Accurate Information Ahead of Local Council Elections

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has highlighted the importance of accurate dissemination of election information to protect the rights of both candidates and the public.

The commission said that ensuring voters receive clear and correct information about the upcoming local council elections is a key responsibility of polling officials. Training programmes, it added, play a crucial role in safeguarding electoral rights.

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A total of 95 trainers have completed their sessions and departed for islands on Saturday to begin training 7,000 polling station officials. The trainers underwent their programme between 3 and 10 January, with the next phase of training set to begin on Sunday.

Earlier, the commission announced the recruitment of 7,000 officials for the council elections scheduled on 4 April. Vacancies for roles in human resources, administration, media and public relations, information technology, finance, and legal remained open until 21 December.

Political parties have already started preparations for the elections. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) held its primaries late last year, while the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is scheduled to conduct its primaries on 16 January.

Ahead of the elections, Parliament, where the government holds a clear majority, approved changes to council composition, reducing the number of councillors on smaller islands and abolishing Atoll Councils.